Suggest Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea

Posted on Thu, 27 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have IBS-D which has flared since my colonoscopy. I'm wondering if my 150 mg.Zoloft is contributing to the problem. I'm taking Lomotil and Imodium to help, but this is just a bandaid approach. I'm missing Thanksgiving as a result.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Addition of Probiotics would help in this case...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and will admit that 150 mg Zoloft you are taking might trigger IBS flare ups.

I would advise that you add probiotics to your actual medications. There are many probiotic preparations available Over the Counter

Being stressed out to miss Thanksgiving is also another cause to your actual problems. The more relaxed and less stress you are, the less your problems would be.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (24 minutes later)

I am taking a probiotic and enzymes to help with digestion of food. I realize that the colonoscopy probably upset my IBS-D condition, but since it took place on Nov. 11, I should be back to "normal" by now. That is why I was wondering if the Zoloft was aggravating the situation. I will be adding Lithium 100 to the mix this weekend since my depression and anxiety is still with me. Will that help or further aggravate the problem? Would I be able to cut back on the Zoloft once I'm on the Lithium?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Should discuss with psychiatrist/physician first.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

The use of depressants such as Zoloft might increase the levels of serotonin, which is associated with severe side effects (including of cardio-vascular, etc.).

Usually, the use of lithium is not recommended while taking Zoloft as the side effects will be enhanced.

So, I highly recommend not to add lithium without consulting with your psychiatrist or physician first as I'm afraid it will aggravate your symptoms.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj